The court ruled this week that Albert Landsmark is guilty of murdering Derrick Koolman in front of Julio's Bar in San Nicolas on February 5, 2012. He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and to pay the remainder of Koolman's funeral, which is Afl. 2055.

A few days ago five women got into a fight over a man who lives in the Netherlands. Two of the women were underage. Apparently the victim had initiated the fight, but the injuries she sustained led to the arrest of those who fought with her.

Aruba's former tourism minister, at present a member of parliament for the largest opposition party MEP, Eddie Briesen has to appear before the court in January 2013. He is being called to answer questions on a 4-year 7-million florin (4 million USD) contract he had signed with Lee Tofanelli for the organization of the Aruba Music Festival. Apparently the ex-minister had not complied with rules and regulations of "good governance" and is being accused among others of fraud. The Aruba Tourism Authority had advised against this agreement for the organization of the festival.

Three Dutch judges evaluated a the request by James Murray for clemency and immediate release from prison and decided the murdered would remain imprisoned. James Murray is incarcerated at KIA prison on Aruba. He was transferred here a few years ago out of Curacao after he could no longer be kept there. Murray kidnapped and murdered a kindergartner 33 years ago on that island, after her aunt told him she no longer wished to continue in a relationship with him. The judges announced their decision Friday morning, after they had heard Murray and an extensive psychological evaluation had taken place. Murray received a “life” sentence originally, which still stands, despite a law change that has made this appeal possible. He is still deemed unfit for a normal life outside of prison and there are no guarantees he will not commit another crime should he be released at this time.

Former Lotto pa Deporte Director Endy Croes was detained this week in an investigation into situations that were not legally responsible during his directorship of the island's sport lotto. The prosecutor requested extension of the detention on Friday, while his lawyer requested his release. The judge of instruction has said he will announce a decision on Monday at 10 a.m. Endy Croes remains detained at the Oranjestad police station.

The detention of the police officer (A.W.), who works at the San Nicolas precinct, has been prolonged. The officer recently became a member of the police force and Internal Affairs is investigating the case. A.W. is being suspected of "breaking-in" and joyriding. His family claims this is a misunderstanding.

Wednesday afternoon a judge ordered the release of a Dutch marine who was the driver of the car in a tragic accident which resulted in the death of two of his colleagues. The 23-year-old marine will be judged and sentenced according to Dutch law on Aruba, he will remain on the island awaiting the trial.

J.H. Endy Croes was detained Wednesday morning in connection with the investigation of Aruba's Sport Lottery, Lotto pa Deporte. He is suspected of falsification and fraud. More detentions are possible. Reports made by renowned, reliable companies show that Lotto's former management did not do a good job.

The contract was cancelled with the former director and he did not receive the compensation stated in his contract because the organization was not managed well with him at the helm, a judge confirmed this and did not grant the director the damages he was demanding. The investigation remains open and active.

A judge sentenced Luis B.T. to 15 months in prison, including the time he has already been in detention, for running over two people who had fallen off a scooter in Solito across from Four Seas Restaurant last year. The man died, while the female passenger was seriously injured. The car's chauffeur, Luis B.T. did not want to take a breathalyzer test and police found some cocaine in the car. The car's passenger told police he noticed that Luis B.T. fell asleep and awoke a few times behind the wheel.